The Best Haiti Travel Guide

The Best Haiti Travel Guide – Haiti is one of the Caribbean’s best-kept secrets, but word is starting to get out on this island that has a uniquely French flavored creole culture. New hotels and investments are coming into Haiti as the island slowly recovers from a series of natural and economic disasters. Our Haiti Travel Guide with share the vibrant culture and nightlife, magnificent architectural attractions, and stunning natural beauty that Haiti has to offer.  Haiti has two magnificent architectural attractions, Sans-Souci Palace, known as the Caribbean Versailles, and Citadelle la Ferriere, the largest fortress in the Caribbean. Both are near Cap-Haïtien, Haiti’s second-largest city. Port-au-Prince’s chaotic Iron Market is packed with stalls selling everything from fruit to religious totems. Haiti’s top natural attractions include Étang Saumâtre, a large saltwater lake with flamingos and crocodiles, and the Bassins Bleu, three deep blue pools linked by spectacular waterfalls.

Tranquil beaches, tumbling waterfalls and pine-tree-capped mountains dot the varied and striking landscape, easily rivaling the natural beauty found anywhere else in the Caribbean. The world’s only successful slave rebellion happened here, and the music, art and culture that came with it make Haiti entirely unique. As those who come to assist Haiti often learn, an encounter with the soul of this fascinating, beautiful country often benefits a traveler just as much.  Our Haiti Travel Guide will provide you with everything you need to plan and book your beach vacation to Haiti. For more information the beautiful beaches of Haiti, visit our Greater Antilles Travel page, or visit us on Pinterest.

Haiti Weather – When to Visit

November to March has the hottest, driest days in most of the country (with the exception of some rain in the north).  These months are ideal for travel due to attractions such as the countrywide Fet Gédé Vodou festival (November), and Carnival in Port-au-Prince and Jacmel (February).  April to June there is quite a bit of rain in south Haiti, as well as in Port-au-Prince.  Hurricane season lasts from August to October, and many days are humid with considerable rainfall. Still, travel is perfectly feasible if there are no big storms.  The best time to visit Haiti is between June and August.

Top 5 Haiti Beaches

Gelee Beach

Gelee Beach has the longest and the most romantic stretch of sand and one of the best beaches in Haiti. The water are crystal clear, and the views alone are worth the visit.  During high season, Gelee Beach usually turns into a concert venue with enthusiastic musicians and dancers giving all manner of traditional performances.

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Kokoye Beach

Kokoye Beach is one of the most idyllic beaches in Haiti, characterized by fine white sands, luscious palm trees, and turquoise waters whose appeal for a swim you won’t be able to resist. If you are looking for the best places for snorkeling or enjoying seaside activities away from the crowd, then this spot is perfect for you.

Ils-a-Rat Beach

This beach is actually located on a little island covered with lush vegetation and surrounded on all sides by soft sands and gentle waves. There are various coral reefs to explore in the local waters, so it’s a super spot to do some scuba diving or snorkeling, but even if you’re not interested in getting into the water, Ils-a-Rat is one of the top beaches in Haiti to stroll around and take some super photographs.

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Wahoo Bay Beach

Wahoo Bay Beach is one of the finest spots along the country’s entire coastline. Not far from Port-au-Prince, Wahoo Bay Beach offers the sort of views that wouldn’t look out of place on a postcard and really sums up the Caribbean experience with soft sands, warm waters, and lots of fun activities like diving, swimming, sunbathing, and even hiking among the local wilderness.

Jacmel Beach

Jacmel Beach is located towards the southern shores of Haiti, and it is popular among both locals and tourists in need of a lively venue for hanging out and having fun. The beach was devastated by the terrible earthquake in 2010, but it has since been rebuilt and now making its way back to being the vibrant paradise it used to be, where locals and tourists could gather for a variety of special events and festivals.

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Best Haiti Restaurants

Papaye $30 & Over

To experience the fresh, seasonal tastes that Haiti has to offer, stop into Papaye in Port-au-Prince. Generally believed to be the city’s best restaurant, Papaye has a fresh menu that focuses on both French food and Caribbean fusion. Regulars recommend you try the fish, the duck, or one of their crispy seasonal pizzas.   Tel:  509 37 01 2707  TripAdvisor:  Papaye

Lakou-Lakay  $10 & Under

Lakou-Lakay is more than just a delightful place to enjoy a meal. This facility doubles as a hotel and Haitian cultural center, focusing on dance and music workshops for children and adults. In the restaurant itself you’ll find delicious local fare prepared by owner Etienne, who owns and manages this property which she inherited from her grandmother.  Tel:  509 36 14 2485  Web:  Lakou-Lakay

Quatier Latin $11 – 30

For a classic French experience in the heart of Haiti, take a seat at Quartier Latin. This classic brassier is the ideal stop for brunch and often offers live music in a delightful local ambiance. If you’re looking for a gift to commemorate your trip, check out their lovely boutique. Tel:  509 25 12 3325  Web:  Quatier Latin

Magdoos  $11 – 30

For a surprising and delicious Middle Eastern experience in the capital of Haiti, grab a seat at Magdoos. This popular restaurant specializes in tapas and Lebanese food and the owners source and grow many ingredients locally. Tel:  509 38 21 2121  Web:  Magdoos

Portofino  $11 – 30

Lauded as one of Haiti’s top restaurants, this Italian bistro offers a Haitian spin on Italian food with exquisite wood-fired pizzas and seafood pastas. The ambiance is cozy and the service has been rated as highly as the food. Finish your meal with a creamy gelato before heading out in the warmth of an island evening. Tel:  509 28 17 0365  Web:  Portofino

Best Haiti Nightlife

Asú Rooftop Lounge

The place to see and be seen, Karibe Hôtel’s rooftop lounge is unquestionably Pétionville’s most fabulous venue to throw back a few cocktails – especially on Fridays. A fire pit, an elevated pool with colored lights, and crystal chandeliers all feed into the atmosphere of excess, and a permanently installed DJ booth starts pumping house music at around 10pm.  Telephone:  509 28 19 2222  Web:  Asu Rooftop Lounge.

Tito’s Tacos

Yes, you can get decent Mexican food here, and whole chickens, and Prestige, of course. But the main reason to come is that after dinner, this relatively unremarkable outdoor taco joint occasionally hosts wild parties and raves, with Haiti’s most talented DJs spinning. You might even need a password to get in.  Telephone:  509 48 90 8226  Web:  Tito’s Tacos.

Boukanye

This new, waterfront bar and restaurant is pirate-themed, with a spectacular view of Cap-Haïtien’s bay. It’s an ideal spot for a Haitian spaghetti breakfast or a burger, but even better for the late-night parties fueled by compas music and the potent Buccaneer punch.  Telephone:  509 33 54 6344  Web:  Boukanye.

La Taverne

Constructed of brick and stone, this low-lit drinking establishment offers the best rum sours around, along with regular salsa-dancing performances. Telephone:  509 34 86 9218  Web:  La Taverne.

Top 10 Beachfront Haiti Hotels